USA soccer must find next veteran leader after Tim Ream: An Argentina-born MLS star could be the one

Ream can't play forever, and leadership is needed in the USMNT locker room more than ever

As the dust begins to settle around what's next for the United States men's national team, it's clear that a different voice is needed to lead the players after crashing out of the Copa America. But looking past that, considering the youth of the side, most of the players who fell to Uruguay 2-1 in Kansas City will still be key for the USMNT during the 2026 World Cup, but one who could see the international chapter of his career closing is 36-year-old Tim Ream.

A late call to make the World Cup roster in 2022, Ream was a breath of fresh air steadying an inconsistent defense with his decision-making and distribution. The defenders playing alongside him have grown during his time with the national team but the USMNT is also no closer to figuring out who will succeed Ream on the left side of the defense. This is as much of a nod to the hard work that Ream has put in as it is also an indictment of the defenders behind him. Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, and Cameron Carter-Vickers have all been given chances which they haven't taken. Joe Scally is an example that a player can bounce back from a poor first impression with the USMNT but one of these defenders will need to step up sooner than later.

There are young defenders like Jalen Neal who could make the jump by 2026 but it's hard to project. But replacing Ream on the pitch is one issue, there's also the fact that he needs to be replaced in the locker room where his leadership has been paramount. Following the loss to Uruguay, Ream issued some cautionary words.